Interior designers are always shopping. For them, it seems, life is one gorgeous quest. Of course, most of the time, these talented tastemakers are on the hunt for furnishings and decorative elements for someone else’s home. What if they could choose something they wanted for their very own? We asked ten of our favorite designers from around the country to do just that. Each revealed one item from their personal lists for Santa. Take a look at their amazing finds. We are very tempted to snap up a couple of these treasures for ourselves.
Amy Lau, Amy Lau Design, Inc., New York City
Set of Two Jens Risom Lounge Chairs by Knoll (buy it now price, $3500) Lau often uses mid-century pieces like these in her rooms. Her work mixes expressive color, organic shapes, earthy textures and a hint of Asian sensibilities. These Danish seats would meld seamlessly into Lau’s spaces.
Eric Roseff, Eric Roseff Designs, Boston
Mid Century Danish Modern Huge Rya Rug 1960s (buy it now price, $525) “I love the pattern, colors, and design of this rug. I would use it in the loft of my lake house, which is furnished with all mid-century furniture that’s lacquered white. The accent colors are blue and green, and this rug would give great pop and life to the space.”
Erin Gates, Element Interiors, Boston
Hollywood Regency Style Screen (buy it now price, $320) “This Hollywood Regency-inspired screen would be amazing in my new office and would add interest and color. Or, I might just use it as a headboard in my guest room.”
Jamie Bush, Jamie Bush & Co., Los Angeles
Walter Bosse Gold Tip Stacking Hedgehog Hagenauer (buy it now price, $199.99) “I love Walter Bosses pieces for their quirky nature and amazingly high quality. I have a beautiful vintage mahogany Baker desk with a collection of bronze objects on it; this piece would nestle in perfectly.”
Kara Mann, Kara Mann Design, Chicago
Vintage Chanel 31 Rue Cambon Coin Link Chain Belt (buy it now price, $225) “I love this Chanel belt. It’s chic with a little rocker edge!”
Katie Lydon, Katie Lydon Interiors, New York City
Three Pairs Solid Silver Chiseled Napkin Rings (buy it now price, $400) “I think these silver napkins rings are really pretty and sculptural. Their old-fashioned appeal is very satisfying! It is a nice mismatched collection that I think you could use in a casual table setting, especially with antique cotton linens that aren’t too precious. It makes me think of dining al fresco in the summer, under a tree.”
Molly Luetemeyer, M. Design Interiors, Los Angeles
Glam Murano Hanging Lamp Chandelier 1960s (buy it now price, $749) “I would hang this gorgeous Murano light fixture in the corner of my living room between two sofas, about 30-inches above a corner table, to bring light into a dark corner and create a cozy but chic environment. I would hang it low to intensify the moodiness and to allow people to see how beautiful the fixture isv—it would look like a flower suspended in space. The room has a mirrored coffee table with horn legs and deep teal sofas, so I needed to find a hanging light that is elegant but unique and that could hold it’s own in the space but not compete. With a little patience, I can always find just the right piece on eBay to take a room from good to spectacular.”
Sally Steponkus, Sally Steponkus Interiors, Inc., Washington, DC
Wedgewood Jasperware “The Olympician” Ltd Ed Plaque (buy it now price, $749.99) “I am very influenced by Neoclassical styles. I am currently under the spell of Josiah Wedgewood. I take a Decorative Arts class on Thursday mornings in Georgetown at the home of Lorraine Pearce, the former curator of the Kennedy White House. Last week, Mrs. Pearce showed a slide from an English country home that has a fireplace mantle with inlaid Wedgewood panels. It will be the inspiration for the showhouse room I’m hoping to do in this year’s 2010 DC Design House. When I saw this Wedgewood plaque, even though it’s not old, I was very excited. I would love to have it. Are you listening, Santa?”
Sara Gilbane, Sara Gilbane Interiors, New York City
Pair of Chinoiserie Red Lacquer Chairs (buy it now price, $2,800) “I am in love with these chairs! I would use them at both ends of my dining table. The bold red lacquer makes a statement, and the fretwork is beautiful.”
Susanna Salk, Connecticut
Karl Springer Style Console Table Mid-Century Regency (buy it now price, $499) “I do not own any Karl Springer pieces, but girl can dream, can't she, especially at Christmas? I had the pleasure of dining at Springer’s iconic Manhattan apartment years ago. His place was as glamorous and streamlined as this table. Make an offer on this for me, please!”
Marni Elyse Katz is a Boston-based writer and editor who covers style, art and design for a variety of publications, including the Boston Globe Magazine, Boston Home and her own blog, Style Carrot, where she recently profiled designer Amy Lau, who is also featured in this piece.
